Bangladesh

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Demonstrations and general strikes (hartals) can turn violent with little warning, especially on Friday afternoons and around political events; past protests have killed thousands.

Prepare: Monitor local news daily; identify safe routes to your accommodation and avoid gatherings near the National Parliament House, Bangladesh Secretariat, Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, University of Dhaka, and Kawran Bazar district.

• Terrorism threat is active nationwide, particularly in Dhaka — improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers target government buildings, airports, transportation hubs, hotels, restaurants, bars, shopping centres, markets, and sites frequented by foreigners.

Prepare: Avoid large crowds, limit attendance at religious holidays and events in hotels/conference centres; stay alert in public spaces at all times.

• Chittagong Hill Tracts region is prohibited — ongoing politically motivated violence, kidnappings, and ethnic clashes between organized indigenous groups; extortion and weapons smuggling occur.

Prepare: Do not travel to this region under any circumstance.

• Violent crime including armed robbery and rape is common, particularly during civil unrest; petty theft (pickpocketing, purse snatching, mugging) is frequent in tourist areas.

Prepare: Avoid walking alone or after dark; do not display wealth or wear jewellery; keep passport and documents secure; decline offers of help from strangers at the airport.

• Women travellers face harassment and verbal abuse; forced marriages affecting foreigners occur, sometimes without the traveller's knowledge or consent; family members may retain your passport to prevent return to Canada.

Prepare: Women should avoid travelling alone, especially on public transportation at night and to police stations; keep digital/physical copies of travel documents in a safe location separate from your passport.

• Credit card and ATM fraud is prevalent in Dhaka.

Prepare: Use ATMs only inside banks or public businesses; cover the keypad when entering your PIN; monitor statements for unauthorized transactions; watch others handling your cards.

HEALTH

• Dengue fever is actively circulating in Bangladesh — no vaccine available; cases occur nationwide; risk is highest during and after monsoon season (June–October).

Prepare: Use insect repellent (DEET 20–30%) on exposed skin and clothing; wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active; stay in air-conditioned or screened accommodation.

• Measles immunity is required — verify you have two doses of MMR vaccine or serological proof of immunity.

Prepare: Confirm measles vaccination status before departure; if not immune, obtain vaccination at least 2 weeks before travel.

• Malaria risk exists in rural areas below 2,000 m, particularly in forested regions and Cox's Bazar district — transmission year-round but higher during and after monsoon (June–October).

Prepare: Consult a travel health clinic on appropriate antimalarial prophylaxis based on your itinerary; start medication as directed.

• Yellow fever vaccination is not required for entry but recommended if you have travelled to or plan to travel to yellow fever endemic countries — verify with your health provider.

Prepare: Contact a travel health clinic to assess your yellow fever risk based on your full travel itinerary.

• Typhoid, hepatitis A, and Japanese encephalitis are endemic risks — vaccination against these is strongly recommended.

Prepare: Visit a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure to receive recommended vaccines.

• Tap water is unsafe; water supplies are inconsistent and some areas experience days without water.

Prepare: Drink only bottled or boiled water; use bottled water to brush teeth; avoid ice and raw/undercooked food; eat only hot, freshly prepared meals at busy restaurants.

• Medical care is limited — local facilities lack standards; serious conditions require evacuation.

Prepare: Purchase comprehensive travel health insurance including medical evacuation; locate your nearest embassy and any private international clinics before arrival (e.g., in Dhaka).

VISA & ENTRY

• Tourist visa is required and must be obtained before arrival — single-entry on-arrival visas (valid 30 days) are theoretically available but entry denial is a real risk; obtain yours at a Bangladesh diplomatic mission in Canada before departure.

Prepare: Apply for a tourist visa at the Bangladesh High Commission or nearest consulate in Canada at least 3–4 weeks before travel; have your letter of invitation or hotel booking ready.

• Passport validity rule: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival.

Prepare: Verify your passport expiry date now; renew if needed before booking flights.

• Electronic arrival and departure cards are required for air travellers — check with your airline before departure for specific procedures.

Prepare: Confirm with your airline whether these are completed online or on arrival; have your flight details and accommodation address ready.

• Customs officials may request proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds — carry documentation of your purpose of visit (hotel bookings, business invitation letters if applicable).

Prepare: Print copies of your return ticket and hotel confirmation; carry proof of funds (bank statements or credit cards).

• Dual citizens should not obtain a "No Visa Required" stamp, as it can limit Canadian consular assistance in an emergency.

Prepare: If you hold dual citizenship, apply for a regular tourist visa; do not accept a "No Visa Required" designation.

Verify all visa and entry requirements directly with the nearest embassy or consulate before travel. Requirements can change without notice.

LOCAL LAWS & CULTURE

• Religious minorities, secular writers, and foreigners have been targeted in attacks — exercise sensitivity regarding religious expression and avoid criticism of local religious practices.

Prepare: Dress modestly, especially in religious areas; do not photograph religious sites without permission; avoid discussing politics or religion in public.

• Alcohol is tolerated but conservative in public — do not drink visibly in public spaces or during religious occasions.

Prepare: Consume alcohol discreetly in hotels or private venues; be aware that some areas are more conservative than others.

• LGBTQ+ travellers should exercise extreme caution — same-sex relations carry social stigma and legal risks; discrimination and harassment can occur.

Prepare: Keep sexual orientation and gender identity private; avoid public displays of affection; research LGBTQ+ support networks before arrival.

• Photography regulations and sensitivities vary — avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, or people without permission.

Prepare: Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women; avoid photographing police or security checkpoints.

PRACTICAL & CONNECTIVITY

• Currency is the Bangladeshi taka (BDT) — ATM access is available in major cities but card fraud is common; carry cash as backup.

Prepare: Notify your bank of travel dates; withdraw cash from ATMs inside banks during business hours; carry small denominations for small purchases.

• Power cuts occur daily in most areas and can last many hours — hotels may have backup generators but service facilities often do not.

Prepare: Keep phone and devices charged at all times; carry a portable power bank; confirm backup power at your accommodation.

• Standard electrical outlets are Type A (US-style 2-pin) and Type D (three round pins) — voltage is 220V, 50 Hz.

Prepare: Bring a universal adapter suitable for Type A and Type D; devices rated 110V only will require a voltage converter.

• Mobile network coverage is good in cities (Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi); local SIM cards are inexpensive and widely available — roaming charges apply if using a Canadian plan.

Prepare: Purchase a local SIM upon arrival or arrange an eSIM in advance; inform your Canadian provider you will be abroad to avoid unexpected charges.

• Internet access is available in hotels and cafés but speeds are variable; VPNs are not restricted but can be slow.

Prepare: Download offline maps and critical documents before arrival; identify internet hotspots near your accommodation.

• Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated — 5–10% in restaurants and for guides is customary.

• Public transportation (buses, trains, ferries) has poor safety standards; road conditions are dangerous, especially after dark — vehicles often lack headlights; traffic is chaotic; road accidents are common.

Prepare: Use only registered taxis booked through your hotel; avoid travelling at night; do not rent a car or drive yourself; if involved in a serious accident where you could be deemed at fault, immediately go to a police station or lock doors/call police if immobile.

CLIMATE & TIMING

• Best time to visit is November to March — cool, dry weather; temperatures 15–25°C; minimal rain.

Prepare: Book accommodation and transport in advance during peak season.

• Monsoon season (June–October) brings heavy rainfall, flooding, and humidity — dengue transmission peaks; travel disruptions are common.

Prepare: Avoid monsoon season; if travelling during this period, expect transport delays and heightened mosquito-borne illness risk.

• Summer (April–May) is extremely hot and humid — temperatures exceed 35°C; heat-related illness is a risk.

Prepare: Stay hydrated; avoid midday sun; seek air-conditioned spaces regularly.

• Cyclones can occur (May and October–November) — flooding and infrastructure damage result; travel disruptions are severe.

Prepare: Monitor weather forecasts; avoid travel during cyclone season if possible; have contingency plans for evacuation.

TOP SIGHTS

• Sundarbans National Forest — UNESCO-listed mangrove forest and UNESCO World Heritage site; home to Bengal tigers, saltwater crocodiles, and diverse wildlife; access is by boat tour from Khulna or Barisal.

Prepare: Book tours only through established operators; confirm safety equipment and life jackets are available on all vessels; travel during daylight hours.

• Dhaka's Lalbagh Fort — 17th-century Mughal fortress in Old Dhaka with museums and historical architecture; relatively secure if visited during daylight.

Prepare: Visit during daytime and avoid crowds; do not wander into nearby alleys alone.

• Cox's Bazar Beach — longest sea beach in Bangladesh (120 km); popular for swimming and seafood; note that public infrastructure has degraded and basic resources (food, water) are limited in the area.

Prepare: Stay in established coastal towns; use registered tour operators; avoid swimming during rough sea conditions; do not travel alone.

• Dhaka National Museum — comprehensive collection of Bengali art, history, and archaeology; well-maintained and frequented by tourists.

• Barisal (southern delta region) — gateway to Sundarbans and river-based tourism; charming riverside town; cooler alternative to Dhaka during hot season.

WHERE TO STAY

Dhaka

• Baridhara — expat and diplomatic enclave with improved security presence, international restaurants, and hotels; safest neighbourhood for foreign travellers; avoid during general strikes when this area may still experience disruptions.
• Banani — upscale residential area near embassies with reliable services, shopping, and restaurants; good security infrastructure; generally safe but avoid walking alone at night.
• Gulshan — business district with high-end hotels, shopping centres, and good security; convenient for travellers seeking familiar amenities and safety.

Cox's Bazar

• Central Cox's Bazar (Hotel Zone) — concentration of beachfront and mid-range hotels; busy during tourist season; adequate security and tourist services; water and food supplies can be limited so confirm availability at your hotel.

Khulna

• City Centre — main business and shopping area with hotels and restaurants; reasonable services; base for Sundarbans tours.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Canadian High Commission in Bangladesh — Dhaka; phone: +880-2-9888-9000 (main line); email: dhaka@international.gc.ca; website: Canada.ca/Bangladesh.
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre (Government of Canada, available 24/7 from abroad): +1-613-996-8885 or toll-free +1-800-387-3124.
• Bangladesh Police (emergency): 999.
• Bangladesh Fire Service & Civil Defence: 016.
• Ambulance (emergency): 10.
• Hazrat Shah Jalal International Airport (Dhaka) Information: +880-2-8901-5000.

Note: Save the High Commission number in your phone before departure. If detained, arrested, or in serious distress, contact the High Commission immediately.